With a high frenzy for gel nail polish, salon owners a making a killing, while customers just can’t get enough of the month-long manicure.
However, just like any other booming business, the nail business highly exposes customers to side effects while the saloonists are trying to meet the high demand.
Treating yourself to a spa exposes you to a lot of infections and here is how to avid them;
Take your own tools
If in doubt about a salon’s cleanliness, consider taking along your own kit. Keep everything in a zip-lock bag and clean with alcohol or boiling water when you get home. Don’t worry about looking finicky. This is becoming increasingly common practice for nail junkies wanting to make sure their treatment is safe and infection-free.
Trust your instincts
If a salon looks dirty your bet is to leave. Songstress Paula Abdul admits she suffered a year of pain thanks to a nail infection picked up at a salon, so don’t take any chances.
Watch your nail technician at work
Does she take her tools out of a sterilizer or a sealed packet? Can you see her license on the wall and does she wash her hands with antibacterial soap? Channeling a few spy techniques is OK for the sake of health.
Don’t have your cuticles clipped
Cuticle clippers, along with sharp tools like razors or callus graters should not be used even the smallest nick can allow bacteria to get in. Instead, ask your technician to stick to gentler options like manicure sticks and cuticle removing lotions.
Beware of faddy fish
While the latest report from the Health Protection Agency suggests that fish pedicures- where tiny Garra Rufa nibble away at hard skin on on your feet- are unlikely to cause infection, if you have any cuts (however minor), or suffer from underlying health concerns such as diabetes or psoriasis, these fishy treatments are always best avoided.
Don’t shave or wax before your treatment
Postponing your de-fuzzing session for at least for 24 hours before your pedicure will limit the chance of infection.
Be fussy with foot baths
While most salons will sterilize their foot baths after each treatment, it pays to be vigilant. The warm, wet environment that makes them so soothing also provides an ideal breeding ground for nasty bugs. Every station should be drained and disinfected between customers- if they are not, hootfoot it out of there.